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Virginia Masters in Conservation Biology on Campus Programs

If the idea of fieldwork and advanced study of ecology and environmental studies appeals to you, look inside a Masters in Conservation Biology on Campus​ Degree Program! Conservation is the study of natural environments, wildlife populations and the interactions between animals, plants, and humans. A Masters in Conservation Biology degree program also might include other fascinating components such as studying geographic information systems (GIS) technology, remote sensing, and other forms of computer modeling. If you have ever worried about the effects of wildfires or protecting a natural habitat for an endangered species, you know that concern won’t actually solve environmental problems. Well-educated and professionally trained scientists are needed to help with policy, knowing what seedlings to plant, and helping to prevent groundwater contamination amongst other things. Think this might interest you?

Is a Masters in Conservation Biology Degree Right For Me?

You have an undergraduate degree and are wondering if you actually need a Masters in Conservation Biology Degree to get a job. After all, it is an additional 2 years minimum of academics. Well, a degree is no guarantee of a job, true, but it may open up your professional options. Advanced research, teaching at the postsecondary level, these more advanced careers often do require a PhD, so earning a Master’s Degree in Conservation Biology may be a great stepping-stone[i].

Plus, a graduate degree offers you, as a student, and a professional, to expand your knowledge and choose a concentration of study within the field. For instance, some of the focus areas might include:

Soil Erosion

Water Conservation

Wildlife Management

Fisheries and Aquatic Biology

Computer mapping

Pollution prevention

Conservation Biology Masters Degree Program Essentials

Each graduate school may have a specific enrollment

protocol or different prerequisites. Check in with the one you are considering, ensuring you are prepared. You do need a Bachelor’s degree from an accrediting university, though different backgrounds may be preferred - ecology, genetics and evolutionary biology for instance.

Depending on the Masters program, there may be an emphasis on research and a thesis, or the program may emphasize courses and professional preparation. Alternatively, if your program is coursework only and non-thesis, you may be required to have previous professional experience in the field you are studying.

In some graduate schools, you might also find Masters in Conservation Biology called ‘Conservation Sciences’. Why? Conservation Biology graduate programs are often interdisciplinary. You might study legislation and policy, biodiversity conservation, natural resources management and ecosystems.

Masters in Conservation Biology Degree Program: Potential Coursework

A Master's degree program in conservation biology often integrates courses on animals, such as fisheries or wildlife ecology, with courses on plants, ecosystems, and habitats. As a student, you may perform conservation assignments in natural environments so that you gain professional first-hand experience. Many programs offer specialized conservation courses on specific environments such as wetlands, forests, or deserts. Common courses might include:

Population biology

Ecosystem science

Animal-environment interaction

Conservation biology

Environmental analysis strategies

Evolutionary theory

How to Find a Masters in Conservation Biology on Campus Program?

First of all, think of what you might be looking for in a graduate school, as they each might have a different personality and program to choose from. You want a program that is accredited – in the case of Conservation Biology, the accrediting body is the SAF (Society of American Foresters).

Second, you might know where you want to study or you may just want to see what is out there. Conduct a location search with the specific city, state or country you have in mind. This search will yield results to browse and give you links for contacting the prospective grad schools.

Why pursue your Masters degree in Conservation Biology on campus? Conservation Biology Masters programs typically involve coursework, fieldwork and practica. Aside from that, you gain access to all the facilities the university has to offer – libraries, laboratories, student services, gymnasiums, and other possible perks of this nature. You also may find it a pleasant way to build your networks, meet professors, and get hands-on learning experiences.

Some of the listings might include MS in Environmental Studies: Conservation Biology or Master in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. Continue scrolling to view other degree programs and schools.

Potential Career Paths associated with Conservation Biology

A Master of Science in Environmental Conservation Degree might prepare you to potentially work as conservation scientists, professionals who study ecology, wildlife systems, and conservation biology in a range of natural environments. Their task is to manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources. Within this field are[iii]:

Conservation Land managers

Range Managers

Soil and Water Conservationists Procurement Foresters

Urban Foresters

Conservation Education Foresters

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for conservation scientists and foresters was $60,360 in May 2014, and the projected employment growth from 2014 to 2024 is 7%[iv].

Take the Next Step

Ready to explore Masters in Conservation Biology on Campus degree? Conservation Biology as an academic field seeks out ways to interconnect biological principles with social, economic and political perspectives to achieve specific conservation goals. If you have a passion for the subject matter, the sciences and the future of the environment, take the next step and review your options for a graduate degree today!

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